The subject of my research is the effect of pollution on the Bourne Rivulet, which has allowed me to carry out my own fieldwork right on my doorstep. This was a good opportunity to plan my own experiments, including gaining permission from landowners and working around the classic British weather! I sampled the biodiversity and chemical composition of the stream every 100 metres over eight days, with help from my brother. Some parts were not accessible from the bank, so I had to adapt and overcome - I even brought a sledge with me as a floating platform for my equipment!

There were a few methods that I used to gather data. Some invertebrates are sensitive to pollutants, so I used kick sampling to analyse which species were present in the stream. To assess the chemical composition of the water, I used testing strips to look for the presence of nitrates and ammonia. I really enjoyed doing this fieldwork, as I spotted species such as bullhead fish, dragonfly larvae, and baby trout. I am still analysing my results, but have noted a slight variation in invertebrate species along the stream, while concentrations of nitrates and ammonia are mostly constant.

By undertaking this research, I hope to expand my knowledge of how we can protect chalk streams and use them more sustainably. Described as "England's rainforests", they are very important due to their rarity. Before I started this project, I was unaware of just how special chalk streams are and the extent to which they are under threat. I have since discovered a whole list of pressures, including fertiliser run-off from agriculture, release of untreated sewage from storm overflows, abstraction of water for public water supply or industry – the list goes on and on.

Once I have finished my research, I will write a 5,000‐word dissertation and submit my project for grading. Next year, I hope to go to university to study Oceanography, and in the long term I aspire to research marine pollution and perhaps even work for the British Antarctic Survey. I would definitely recommend getting involved in caring for the environment, whether it is volunteering for the Wildlife Trusts or doing small things like designating a small portion of your garden for wildflowers to grow. These tasks are so rewarding for our mental health that we can share in the benefits they provide for nature.

Cherishing our chalk streams

We're grateful to Nicole for sharing her brilliant story with us. If you too are concerned about the health of our chalk streams, why not get involved with the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme? It has a wide variety of projects to take part in, from surveying wildlife to raising awareness on key issues, with a focus on the headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen.

We're always looking for people like Nicole who are kind enough to share their personal experiences of our local chalk streams. You can read more wonderful stories, or share your own, through our Tales from the Riverbank project.